STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS, ETC., 1926.-contd. 12. The excess on the total estimate is due to increased labour costs, and to additional work in connexion with the replacement of the roadway lighting removed during the construction of the workshops. A greater proportion of the total cost fell upon 1926 than was anticipated when the estimate for the year was prepared. An ex-gratia payment of 1301. 12s. was made to the contractor for extra cost of cutting away and excavating, the difficult nature of the work not being apparent at time of tendering (S.30765). Completed. Estimate 11,8251.; expenditure 12,8371. -s. 6d. ; excess 1,0121. s. 6d. 6(1925). The contract account could not be disposed of within the previous year as had been anticipated. The saving on the total estimate is due to the abandonment of a portion of the work contemplated. Estimate 6,2501.; expenditure 4,033. 16s. 11d. A.II.3.(1925).-Estimate 45,0001. 5.(1925).-Estimate 33,000.; expenditure to 31 March 1927, 3371. 17s. 2d. STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS, ETC., 1926—contd. 1. OBSERVATIONS. The The proposals for the extension of the Western Gallery could not be carried out. expenditure represents the cost of a re-arrangement of accommodation in the Gallery as existing, and adaptations at the Queen's Gate premises. Estimate (revised) 7081. (S.13765/4). 2. The delay in connexion with the erection of an additional room to house the collection of pictures bequeathed to the nation by the late Dr. Ludwig Mond (see explanation under A.1, No. 5) affected this work also, the two services being carried out under one contract. Completed, but there will be further charges in the accounts for 1927. Estimate (revised) 1,830. (S.24032). Underspending due to delay in the delivery of electrical apparatus. 3. 4. This service was not proceeded with. 1. See details following. Estimate 1,2657. ; 2. Edinburgh National Library: Fire prevention measures, etc. : expenditure to 31 March 1927, 1,1151. 2s. 7d. Completed, further charges to come. STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS, ETC., 1926-contd. British Museum: Extension of Manuscripts Room Estimate 8501.; expenditure to 31 March 1927, 5701. 13s. id. National Portrait Gallery: Extension of electric lighting .. Estimate 7501.; expenditure to 31 March 1927, 7281. 10s. 8d. Victoria and Albert Museum: Provision of grillages to windows of Indian Section Estimate 9051.; expenditure 5641. 5s. 1d. H.M. Office of Works, 17 November 1927 Contracts were placed on 12 17 11 85 3 £582 18 Lionel Earle, Accounting Officer. DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR BUILDINGS. ACCOUNT of the Sum Expended, in the Year ended 31 March 1927, compared with the Sum Granted, for Expenditure in respect of DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR BUILDINGS. EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant. A. See Statement of New Works. B. The evacuation of Consular posts and suspension of work due to the unrest in China, together with the more favourable exchange rate, resulted in an under-spending of 2,9007. A saving of 1,0001. resulted from the postponement of certain works for the Berlin Embassy House. C. Due to the purchase of furniture for the Legation House at Monte Video earlier than expected (2,0007.), to additional requirements of various Embassies and Legations (3,6007.), and to the cost of furniture rendered necessary by re-arrangements in the Consular Service and the opening of new Consular Offices (2,7001.). Savings accrued in connexion with the furnishing of the Legation House at Bangkok (8407.). D.-Under-spending due mainly to the non-payment of certain taxes and municipal rates in China, and to the favourable exchange rate governing China expenditure. E. Expenditure under this sub-head is uncertain. EE-501., rent of old Consular premises at Tabriz from Michaelmas 1926, when they were surrendered, to Ladyday 1927, when the tenancy terminated, all liability ceasing as from the date of surrender (S.30312). EXPLANATION of the Causes of Variation between Expenditure and Grant-contd. Appropriations in Aid and Receipts payable to Exchequer. Receipts of a miscellaneous character exceeded anticipation. B. The sum of 1821., the approximate value of coal lost owing to short deliveries to the Legation at Peking, as the result of fraud between the cartage contractor and the native staff of the Legation, has been written off. H.M. Office of Works, 17 November 1927. Lionel Earle, I have examined the above Account in accordance with the provisions of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act, 1921. I have obtained all the information and explanations that I have required, and I certify, as the result of my audit, that in my opinion the above Account is correct. Malcolm G. Ramsay, Comptroller and Auditor General. |